10. Short Debate: Longer learning for better, safer lives: The case for raising the age of participation in education in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:27 pm on 15 May 2019.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 6:27, 15 May 2019

Well, yes, and I think that's something, again, where we have invested in apprenticeships, which have been the right pathway for many young people, and sometimes those apprenticeships also can lead to further and higher education beyond the time of that apprenticeship, and making those apprenticeships open and accessible as well as being funded is crucially important. We've got to make sure that our schools and colleges are supportive places that help to sustain the well-being of our learners.

So, we come onto the important points that Lynne Neagle has raised about the emotional and mental health of our young people, which is paramount. We want to make sure they're fully supported through each stage of their education to be emotionally and mentally resilient, confident, and, above all, happy. That's why I'm pleased we as a Government are working with the health Minister and yourself as committee Chair on implementing the Government's response to the Children, Young People and Education Committee's inspiring committee report, 'Mind over matter'. I'm glad, also, to have the opportunity to join you in thanking Professor Ann John for her work, and I note the exchange you had with her at the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, and that was back last year, on suicide prevention. I note that she did say a lot of recommendations from the thematic review were being followed up, and I think the timing of this debate is key, that we take stock of what is happening, and the work on 'Mind over matter', which had such strong support across this Chamber, has to be implemented in terms of the Government response. We know that ensuring mental health and well-being is central to the way schools work is of vital importance. Our children and young people need the right support in the right place at the right time to enable them to grow up in healthy and nurturing environments. This work will give them the best possible opportunity to fulfil their true potential.

In terms of young people not in education, employment or training, yes we can be proud of the fact the number of 16 to 18-year-olds is at a record low as far as NEET status, but there is still so much to do, and we recognise that that's where the framework—the youth engagement and progression framework—is having a real impact. We've mentioned apprenticeships, but the percentage of year 11 school leavers has more than halved in terms of those not entering education, employment or training.

So, I want to finish this debate by thanking Lynne Neagle for bringing forward a very important area for discussion, continuing, as she is, to press the case for being ambitious in how we widen access to and participation in education and training. This afternoon we were talking and I was being questioned about the well-being of future generations legislation, and we are talking about the generation—. We are looking after education and caring about today, but it is about the future, our future citizens. You talked about that we need to be powered by our citizens of the future as far as younger people are concerned, and there lessons to be learnt not just from England, the English experience—I know the Minister will want to look at the experience in Ontario. I know that she will want to meet you to follow up this debate, which has been very significant, and I know will be of great interest to our learners and educators in Wales.